Col. Donald Lee Wolfswinkel

MT. PLEASANT – With great sadness, the family of Colonel Donald L. Wolfswinkel, USAF Retired, announces that he died peacefully at Somerby of Mt. Pleasant on December 18, 2023, at the age of 86 with his wife, Ronnie, beside him. Don was born in Hull, Iowa on March 2, 1937, to Bernie and Ruth TenHaken Wolfswinkel. He was the fourth son and older brother to the only girl of five siblings.

Don excelled in basketball from the moment he first stepped on those oak floors. He enrolled at Iowa State as a freshman while awaiting his appointment to the Air Force Academy. While at the Academy, Don was a dominant force in their success in basketball, holding the rebound record for many years and as a senior, receiving the coveted sword presented to the one outstanding athlete – of all sports – who best represented the Air Force Academy.

Don graduated from the Academy in 1960-the second class. Don earned a master’s degree in business management from Central Michigan University. He was a graduate of Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Following his commission as a second lieutenant from the academy, he attended pilot training at Spence AFB, Georgia and Reese AFB, Texas and received his pilot’s wings in September 1961. His first operational assignment was to Travis AFB , 75th Air Transport Squadron where he flew C-124. In 1963, Don served in the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam with the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron where he flew O-1 aircraft. His next assignment, in August 1964, was to the 28th Air Transport Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, again flying C-124 aircraft.

In June 1966, Don returned to the Air Force Academy where he served in the athletic department as physical education instructor and basketball coach. From August 1970 to July 1974 Don was assigned to Wiesbaden Air Force Base, Germany, initially as a C-131 pilot who flew many dignitaries, then Armed Forces (Europe) Basketball team coach and manager. The team twice beat two of Europe’s Olympic teams. Don also served as the director of the Special Services Division in June 1971.

Don received his first assignment to Charleston AFB in July 1974. It was there he met the love of his life and soul mate, Ronnie. They were married in June 1976 and in August Don was assigned to the 611th Military Airlift Squadron, Osan AFB, Korea, where he served as the Chief of the Airlift Coordination Center. He returned to Charleston AFB and the 76th Military Airlift Squadron in 1977 and later served as the Chief of the Wing Operational Training Division.

While still at Charleston, Don was the commander of the 20th Military Airlift Squadron from March 1980, until November 1980, when he became the Deputy Base Commander of the 437th Air Base Group. In November 1981, Don was transferred to Travis Air Force Base, CA where he was assigned as the Deputy Base Commander, 60th Air Base Group. He became the Base Commander in July 1983 and served in that position until May 1985. Travis was a great assignment for venturing out with the motorhome to ski and explore the west coast. Both Don and Ronnie were very involved with Vanden High School during their time at Travis. Many a Friday night was spent cooking hot dogs and twirling cotton candy in the concession stand in order to raise money for the Vanden sports programs.

In June 1985, Don was assigned as Professor of Aerospace Studies at VMI, Lexington, VA. Serving in a role to assist young men pursuing a military career was extremely gratifying. Don and Chris also mastered the art of pie making from the trees on the property: apple, cherry and peaches.

In July 1988, Don was transferred to Andrews AFB in Washington, DC as the Director of Resource Management. He retired out of Andrews in 1989 and he and Ronnie moved back to Charleston. They spent many hours boating around Charleston and sharing activities with family and friends. Don and Ronnie lived twenty years on Snee Farm golf course where both enjoyed golf and tennis. They also traveled extensively in Europe throughout Don’s retirement.

Don was a command pilot with more than 6,400 flying hours, including 299 combat missions as a forward air controller in Southeast Asia. His military decorations and awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters/ Air Medal with one Silver and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster/ Air Force Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters/ Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster/ Combat Readiness Medal/ National Defense Service Medal/ Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal/ Vietnam Service Medal with Three Bronze Service Stars/ Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with one Oak Leaf Cluster/ Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon/ Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with one Silver and Two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters/ Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon/ Air Force Training Ribbon and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Don mentored countless younger pilots during and after his active duty. He was an inspiration to his family and all who knew him for his dedicated service to his country and his undying faith in God.

Despite his many military accomplishments and various academic achievements, nowhere did Don find greater satisfaction than as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a loyal and dedicated family man to the core. He cared for his family with grace and steadfast love. They were his single greatest joy. Both Don and Ronnie served many years at St Andrews Church, Mt Pleasant, SC in the Alpha Program. Don’s faith was steadfast and he seldom missed a morning of Bible and devotional readings and prayers.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Ronnie. He is also survived by his daughter, Wendy (Terry), his sons, Richard (Kim) and Chris (Iyun), his grandchildren, Calvin, Loren, Alex, Lucas and Nick, his sister, Jan Ver Steeg (Bill) his brother-in-law, Clif Friend (Judy), his sister-in-law, Robin Friend (Michael Nobile) as well as several nieces and nephews.

Don was predeceased by his son, Craig, his granddaughter, Charlotte, his parents and two siblings.

HIs Funeral service will be conducted at 2:00PM Friday, January 5, 2023, at St Andrews Church (Historic Church), 440 Whilden Street, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464. Inurnment, with Military Honors, will follow in the Church Columbarium.

Donations in Don’s name may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association 884 Albritton Blvd., Suite 115, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 or the Charleston Animal Society 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406.

The family extends great appreciation to Agape Hospice, but especially the staff at Somerby of Mt Pleasant Memory Care (MC2).  Their care for Don was more than professional; it was deep concern and love (both for Don and Ronnie.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.